Bristow Group, a world-leading provider of transportation services for the offshore energy industry, today signed an agreement for up to 12 EC175s – marking the latest major acquisition of Eurocopter’s rotorcraft, which sets new standards in the medium-sized twin-engine helicopter market segment.

The contract was formalized at the Heli-Expo 2013 industry show in Las Vegas, Nevada, during a ceremony attended by William E. Chiles, Bristow Group’s President and CEO, and Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling.
“The Bristow Group’s order represents another important endorsement for this optimized rotary-wing aircraft, which has become a reference in the medium-twin helicopter category,” Bertling explained. “We are especially proud to accompany Bristow in its development and look forward to contributing to the success of its operations with the EC175. Its range, cruise speed and payload lift capabilities – combined with high comfort levels for passengers and the latest in avionics for pilots – perfectly tailors our EC175 for the most demanding off-shore missions.”

Bristow Group joins a growing number of international customers selecting the EC175, which Eurocopter evolved through extensive consultation with operators and end-users – ensuring their needs and requirements were incorporated into the design at an early stage.

“Bristow has followed the development of the EC175 closely since we signed a memorandum of understanding in 2008 and are now excited to confirm the addition of this aircraft type into our global fleet from 2015,” Chiles stated. “This new-generation helicopter provides significant capabilities with its 16-seat configuration.”

The EC175 is making a debut appearance at Heli-Expo 2013, where the aircraft is displayed in a stopover on its U.S. demonstration tour. During the two-week visit, this no. 1 production EC175 will be presented to companies specialized in passenger transport and supply missions for the offshore oil and gas industry.

With a recommended cruise speed of 150 kts. and maximum cruise speed in excess of 165 kts., the EC175 is able to transport 16 passengers out to distances of 140 nautical miles, with the range approaching 200 naut. mi. when 12 passengers are carried.

The EC175 has validated its excellent power performance and one engine inoperative (OEI) hover performance, which ensures safety during hoisting for search and rescue missions; extensive power reserve and heli-deck performance (PC1) at maximum take-off weight in ISA+20°C conditions. Furthermore, Eurocopter’s Helionix avionics incorporated on the EC175 provides the highest levels of mission flexibility and safety.

With designed-in attributes that meet a full range of operating conditions – combined with its speed and range – the EC175 is becoming a helicopter of choice to address a full range of missions, which also include search and rescue, emergency medical services, public services, VIP and executive transport.

Eurocopter press release